This is a little shorter, and there is no dialogue, it's just a quick look at what is happenning in Anniera.
CHAPTER TWENY-FOUR: THE RETURN OF THE THAGS
Let us take some time to look at the people still in Anniera. Madia was practically glowing with pride over the fact that her grandson was doing this quest. She knew not many were brave enough to complete such a task, and the fact that he was doing it brightened her whole countenance.
Emerald devoted herself to her music. She did not speak much of her brother’s absence, and sometimes, Esben wondered if she even cared. Though that was to be doubted, since she had been so distant lately. And now that Artham was gone, it was even more apparent. In her heart, in her mind, she believed she needed to be treated better, not as a child, but as a full grown adult, even though she was only fourteen. This caused bitterness to grow, and a rift to be created, and she did not care to stop it.
Esben tried to become more prepared for when his brother would return. On that day, he would be faced with the challenge of becoming the actual king of Anniera. Madia would relinquish her right to the Throne, and Esben would be coronated as soon as Artham arrived. He also worked much on his drawing. Madia encouraged her grandchildren to keep up with their THAGS so as not to forget the traditions of old. Esben used to resent this, but know? He relished it. It brought him closer to the brother that was so far, and it brought him closer to the father he could not reach.
Arundelle was now too pregnant to continue working in the kitchen. Esben was watching her with a keen eye in his brother’s absence, and she lived a rather dull life. She spent her days sewing clothes, stockings, mittens, socks, for the baby. She wrote a letter to Artham every day, and sent it off, not sure if he would receive it. She had heard from Wendolyn that she would be arriving in a week or so, and that was a slight comfort. She was very saddened now. She did not have her best friend, the love of her life, her husband with her. It was a hard burden to carry, especially one to carry alone. Her father, Reginald, had been acting strange of late, and so had Bonifer. Ari and her father had become distant.
And Bonifer? Perhaps, dear reader, Bonifer was feeling guilty for the crime he had committed against our Throne Warden.
If only the people of Anniera could see the crime, the evil, being done within their walls. If only Esben could have seen the many letters Bonifer sent out to Yorsha Doon, to the Wanderers. If only. If only. But, alas, as Gladys did not detect the lie told to her, Esben did not detect the treachery in his walls.
Other than this, there was a heavy sadness over Esben and Arundelle’s hearts. They longed for Artham to return, they prayed every day for his safety, not knowing, not knowing, if he would return. That was the thought that scared them.
So, one quick head-canon to explain, when I mentioned Gladys not knowing the lie told to her, I was referring to the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible, if this would happen in Aerwiar. I hope that makes sense. Let me know if I need to clear anything up, or if something sounds weird or wonky :)
